We Are Essential

ESSENTIAL WE ARE ESSENTIAL WE ARE

SUSAN KETTERING AHLC Executive Director Owner, HRI of Pennsylvania Pittsburgh

March 2020 was a wake-up call for my salon and I’m sure that you all feel the same.

The novel coronavirus epidemic and the COVID-19 disease it causes, brings a lot of change to the industry. Or does it?

Barbers and cosmetologists will recall how sanitation was a big part of our training. So by practicing what we were taught, we have half the problem solved. Unfortunately, many of our mayors, governors and health inspectors are clueless about the depth of our training as Hair Restoration Specialists.

The AHLC is currently developing a template that every hair replacement salon can follow to petition for and receive proper licenses and classifications for Hair Restoration Salons. With these credentials, we will be able to remain open, reclassified as an essential business.

When this packet is complete it will be available to all AHLC members with instructions on how to best address this issue in your particular state. I understand that barber and cosmetology boards hold a yearly conference so we’re looking into the possibility of the AHLC presenting our case there, in an effort to educate all state boards at once.

As Hair Restoration Specialists, we understand the essential nature of our work. We are also confident that we can safely provide service to clients without putting ourselves or anyone else at-risk. We are working to make sure our businesses are properly classified to reflect this.